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Space Museum
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
In the Tsim Sha Tsui Cultural Complex, the Space Museum will be the first part to be completed in 1980. This Museum will be the most modern and sophisticated of its kind anywhere else in the world.
It will impart knowledge of the universe and of space exploration through models and visual demonstration. The skyshows and exhibitions will be so organized that visitors will derive not only knowledge, but fun and enjoyment for the whole family as well.
Science and Technology Museum
With growing emphasis being given to diversification in manufacturing, the Urban Council is rising to the challenge by planning for a Science and Technology Museum.
A permanent site for this Museum is being sought near the Polytechnic, and a team of five experts from North America have prepared a report on the feasibility of building a Science and Technology Museum in Hong Kong.
New Territories Cultural Services
In the New Territories, the Government will be spending more than $14 million to build three Cultural Complexes in the new towns of Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun and Shatin. These complexes will include facilities such as auditoria, exhibition halls, lecture rooms and restaurants.
There is also a policy for the provision of public library services and sport and recreation facilities, for the three new towns, the older market towns of Tai Po, Sheung Shui and Yuen Long, as well as places such as Cheung Chau, Tsing Yi and Sai Kung.
As these places have their own historic and geographic entity, I hope that Government will provide them with cultural, recreation and sports facilities on a more flexible criteria, and not in accordance with the criteria that applies to the densely crowded urban areas.
In the light of rapid growth in the New Territories, a matter of serious concern is the training of capable staff to plan, design and manage the planned cultural and recreation facilities. This is an area which requires quicker action by Government.
I am also concerned at the low priority given by Government to strengthen the Antiquities and Monuments Section of the Urban Services Department, which is operating on a shoe-string staff. At the present rate of development, many buildings with potential historic value and archaeological sites are in danger of disappearing at an alarming rate. Despite its small geographic size, Hong Kong has a considerable ancient heritage. An extensive list of possible monuments has been compiled, but additional staff is urgently required for initial study and documentation, and to actively engage in the preservation of these monuments.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
International Year of the Child
As Members are aware, 1979 has been designated by the United Nations as the 'International Year of the Child'. I lay on the table a copy of the 'Declaration of the Rights of the Child' which was unanimously adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations 20 years ago on 20 November 1959. (Appendix I)
I urge that the Urban Council through its various activities give significance, meaning and support to the tenets of the Declaration during this International Year of the Child. This can be done through cooperative effort with the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, the Family Planning Association and other voluntary agencies which have plans to commemorate the International Year of the Child.
Rates
Since 1973, when the Urban Council achieved financial responsibility, the pace has quickened to provide our urban community of over 3 million people with urban amenities and civic facilities to meet rising expectations. The Council's total capital commitment will be about $2,000 million spread over a period of 10 years. The Council is now considering whether a case can be made out to ask Government for an increase in the Urban Council rate.
The public will not be in favour of an increase in the Urban Council rate at this point of time, unless a strong case can be made for the necessity of such increase from the point of view of responsible financial management and with the public interest being paramount.
Any proposed increase has to be viewed from the wider perspective of the economy as a whole, and the need to keep inflation at a reasonable level, so as not to burden the average citizen with higher living costs.
Conclusion
It has been reported in the press that Government is planning to set up a new department by April 1, 1979 to be called the Department of Leisure, which could weld together the Recreation and Sport Unit and the Music Administrator's Office, among other related activities. Whatever the name of this Department will be, if it is set up at all, it is hoped that there will be even closer cooperation and coordination of recreation, sport and cultural activities in future for the entire territory of Hong Kong.
The Urban Council can play a substantial role in the promotion of cultural interflow between East and West, and in deepening understanding among Hong Kong people of the Chinese cultural heritage.
The Council has performed well and truly to fill the cultural void that had existed for so long in Hong Kong. In this International Year of the Child, it should work together with other organizations to revive and
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